LOCAL MAN CHOSEN AS LABOUR’S GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE FOR SKIPTON AND RIPON

Yorkshireman Alan Woodhead has been chosen as the Labour Party’s candidate in the Skipton and Ripon constituency for the forthcoming general election.

Alan was born and brought up in Middlesbrough and has lived in the Skipton and Ripon constituency for almost 30 years.

He has worked closely with a variety of health service bodies through his working life and he is committed to the NHS and countering the austerity policies which have damaged public services over the past seven years

Alan gained a B.A. (Hons) in Social Science in Manchester. He began his career as an administrator in the NHS. He then worked for a public sector health care provider in the Middle East and for computer hardware and systems suppliers to the NHS and Local Autority Social Care.

A member of the Labour Party for over 40 years he has been a candidate in several borough council and county council elections and is currently treasurer of the party’s Ripon branch.

Alan said: “I am delighted to have been selected for my home constituency of Skipton and Ripon.

The clear choice in this election is to continue to suffer from failing Tory policies which will create even more austerity or to elect Labour Party candidates who will promote investment in important and valued public services such as: health and social Services, education, affordable housing, libraries and a modern transport and employment infrastructure in order to kick-start the economy.

“There is potential, in the east of the constituency, to take advantage of the decisions by the Ministry of Defence to vacate the barracks in Ripon and Dishforth airfield. Their use should be directed towards sensible investment for the future, rather than selling land and facilities off cheaply.”